# DIY Free-Sourced Prosthetics These Prosthetic Hand Designs Will Help Out Any Family in Need By Ian Andrew Panganiban | Published 2013-05-29 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prosthetic-hand References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2013/05/robohand-3d-printed-prosthetic.html) & [thingiverse](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:44150) The cost of a prosthetic hand can cost as much as $10,000, but thanks to this DIY project that cost is significantly reduced. The ‘Robohand’ is a mechanical, 3D-printed prosthetic that can be made at your own home. South African woodworker Richard Van As conceived the idea. To create the prosthetic hand you’ll need the [MakerBot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/makerbot-sketch-large) 3D printer, which is a lot cheaper than a $10,000 prosthetic hand. The Robohand works just as well as store-bought prosthetic hands. Children's prosthetics need to be changed every couple of years and since the cost for the Robohand is only $150, this will alleviate the financial burden of families who aren’t able to afford regular prosthetic hands for their children. The project is [open sourced](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reachy-mini), making it more convenient for everyone. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **DIY Prosthetics:** The development and availability of DIY prosthetics reduces the financial burden of families who cannot afford expensive prosthetic hands. - **3D Printing in Prosthetics:** The use of 3D printing technology in creating prosthetic hands increases accessibility and affordability for those who need it. - **Open-sourcing Prosthetics:** The sharing of open-source designs for prosthetic hands enables more people to create and customize prosthetics to meet their needs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Healthcare:** The healthcare industry can leverage 3D printing technology and open-source design to provide more accessible and affordable prosthetic solutions to patients. - **Consumer Products:** The consumer products industry can explore the market potential for DIY prosthetic kits and materials to meet the growing demand for affordable prosthetic solutions. - **Education:** The education industry can incorporate 3D printing technology and DIY prosthetic projects into curriculums to develop the skills and knowledge of students in STEM and healthcare fields. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Lightweight Robotic Hand Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-hand1.md) - [Smart Bionic Hands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-bionic-hand.md) - [Robotic Hand Assistance Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioservo-carbonhand.md) - [Reversible Robotic Hands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reversible-robotic-hand.md) - [At-Home Rehab Robotics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reemo-home-robotic-arm.md) - [Enhanced Thumb Prosthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/third-thumb.md) - [Modular Slip-Proof Prosthetic Legs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lytra-prosthetic-leg.md) - [AI-Powered Prosthetic Arms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-prosthetic-arm.md) - [Bionic Knee Prostheses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/httpswwwmediamitedu.md)